Clean out clutter, keep out crooks

May 21, 2006

After a long winter, it's tempting to leave doors and windows open to take advantage of nicer temperatures. But keep a close eye to see that fresh air is the only thing making its way into your home, warns the Indiana Crime Prevention Coalition. Nearly two-thirds of completed burglaries occur with no sign of forced entry, according to police and insurance statistics. "Instead of setting yourself up as an easy target, spring cleaning may be the perfect time to re-evaluate your home's safety and security," says ICPC Executive Director Scott Minier. Outside the house Use floodlights with motion detectors to eliminate dark areas. Trim shrubs and bushes, so there is nowhere for criminals to hide. Make sure your home is numbered clearly, so police and fire can find it easily in time of emergency. Use high-quality locks on bicycles, lawn mowers and other exposed valuables or place them in a locked garage or storage shed. Secure gates and shed doors with high-security, laminated padlocks. Entryways Be sure entryways are well lighted, so you can identify visitors. Exterior doors should be solid hardwood or metal-clad and secured with deadbolt locks. Glass panels in or near doors may need reinforcing with metal screening. Spare keys should be left with a trusted neighbor or in a Realtor-type lockbox, but not under a doormat or planter. Every window -- especially first-floor windows -- should have locks and pinning devices to restrict the opening to a few inches when ventilating the home. Windows should be shut and locked when unattended. Sliding doors should be secured with both locks and metal or wooden rods in the track. Inside the house Photograph your home's contents. For identification, put a distinctive mark on appropriate valuables. Check with your local police and sheriff's department for ID programs or advice. Update each springtime. For more information, visit www.ncpc.org.